Abstract: A process for cutting a moving strip to form a series of plates, such as battery plates, includes the initial step of transporting the strip past a rotary divider including a cutter having radial blades configured to cut the strip into the plates. The cutter further has a set of blades for cutting individual pieces from the strip, which pieces are not part of the plates. As the cutter blades cut the strip to form the plates and pieces, a vacuum system applies suction to draw the pieces cut from the strip inwardly into the cutter through holes in the cutter, and then out of the cutter. The holes are each located adjacent each one of the corresponding blades and are shaped and positioned to permit the cut-away piece to pass through. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum system includes a pair of vacuum manifolds that apply suction at opposite ends of the cylindrical cutter. An apparatus for carrying out the foregoing process accordingly includes a rotary divider as described above provided with a vacuum system.

Abstract: A process for cutting a moving strip to form a series of plates, such as battery plates, includes the initial step of transporting the strip past a rotary divider including a cutter having radial blades configured to cut the strip into the plates. The cutter further has a set of blades for cutting individual pieces from the strip, which pieces are not part of the plates. As the cutter blades cut the strip to form the plates and pieces, a vacuum system applies suction to draw the pieces cut from the strip inwardly into the cutter through holes in the cutter, and then out of the cutter. The holes are each located adjacent each one of the corresponding blades and are shaped and positioned to permit the cut-away piece to pass through. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum system includes a pair of vacuum manifolds that apply suction at opposite ends of the cylindrical cutter. An apparatus for carrying out the foregoing process accordingly includes a rotary divider as described above provided with a vacuum system.

Abstract: A fibrous material is inserted into the head space above the cells in a storage battery to attenuate the explosion of combustible gases accumulating therein. The attenuation material preferably includes a proportion of fine fibers effective for attenuation and a proportion of heavier fibers effective for electrolyte management.

Abstract: An electric storage battery according to the invention has a porous explosion attenuating material disposed within a head space of the battery case over the electrode elements. The attenuating material forms a layer or lining on the inner surface of the top wall of the case, and preferably also on the inner surface of the upper ends of each side wall between the electrode elements and the top wall. The interior of the head space remains open. Such an explosion attenuating material is effective to limit pressure build-up resulting from ignition of said gases within the case.

Abstract: A process for cutting a moving strip to form a series of plates, such as battery plates, includes the initial step of transporting the strip past a rotary divider including a cutter having radial blades configured to cut the strip into the plates. The cutter further has a set of blades for cutting individual pieces from the strip, which pieces are not part of the plates. As the cutter blades cut the strip to form the plates and pieces, a vacuum system applies suction to draw the pieces cut from the strip inwardly into the cutter through holes in the cutter, and then out of the cutter. The holes are each located adjacent each one of the corresponding blades and are shaped and positioned to permit the cut-away piece to pass through. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum system includes a pair of vacuum manifolds that apply suction at opposite ends of the cylindrical cutter. An apparatus for carrying out the foregoing process accordingly includes a rotary divider as described above provided with a vacuum system.